If you are coming to Rabat here is a list of Can’t Miss Things To Do…

Oudaya, Rabat Morocco

1. The Oudaya: This ancient castle is part of the origins of Rabat. Estimated to have been built in the 12th century, this fortress at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River was used to fight off enemies, host royal delegations, plan for the Muslim conquest of Spain. It also became the capitol of the kingdom in the 17th century.

There is a cool cafe serving tea and sweets that overlooks the Atlantic and the mouth of the Bouregreg as well as a small art gallery above the Oudaya that is interesting as well.  If you have seen any pictures of the white and blue walls in Rabat (like the one below), they are found in the neighborhood here. There are also some really exquisite Moroccan doors adorning the lanes as well.

The Oudaya in Rabat

Here is an article on the history of the Oudaya. Here is a video done by the Moroccan News (2M) on the Oudaya and some of the restoration that has happened there. It is in French, but if you don’t understand French, the historical footage alone is enough to give you a taste of the Oudaya.

2. The Chellah

The Chellah Rabat Morocco

The Chellah is the oldest known human settelment along the Bou REgreg River. It overllos the river plane that stretches out beneath.  Histoiras believe this was originally a Ophenician colony dating back to the 3rd centruy BC. There are Roman runins here dating to 40 AD.  You can read more here to get the full scoop on the Chellah.

Now I can’t vouch for what language they are actually speaking here, but you can get a quick look at the chellah in this video:

3. The King’s Palace

Royal Palace in Rabat

The Palace was first built at the end of the 18th century, and later redesigned, rebuilt by the King Hassan II. Many government offices are found within the walls of the palace grounds, so it is not like the historical palace monuments you might see in other countries. You really can only walk on the central pathway there, so it is not an indepth tour by anymeans, but it seems like we (people) always like to see royalty and get a first hand view of the governments of other countries. For those reasons it is well worth a walk through.

You can read more about the King in this article from the Moroccan Embassy.

4. Tour Hassan & The Mosoleum of Mohammed V

Tour Hassan

Tour Hassan and the Mosoleum of Mohammed V stand facing each other. In the picture above, the brown stone tower is the minaret of the incomplete mosque (Tour Hassan). It was started in the 12th century with the ambitions of being the largest minaret in the world, and the adjoining mosque the largest mosque in the world. It was not completed, and today stands at 44m, half of its intended height. Small pillars that were to be the pillars of the large mosque, line the area around the minaret as well.

The Mosoluem of Mohammed V, is the burial place of the current king’s grandfather, father and uncle. It is an architectural masterpiece. Non Muslims are also allowed to enter and to see the Mosoleum.

Make sure to read this article on Galen Frysinger website, to see some great photographs of the monuments.

5. Shopping in the Medina.

Medina Rabat

We have been to medinas throughout Morocco. Many of them have the same basic goods in the touristy parts- shoes, lanterns, rugs, leather, jewellry etc. All of which are fun if you are in the mood to shop (only check the leather closely, because the smell will stick with the bag). But the thing we enjoy the most about the medinas is that each medina has a different atmosphere than the others. The medina in Fez feels very historic and like you have stepped back in time. The medina in Marrakech is this blend of wild (Jmaa Al Fnaa), piety (the mosques and the call to prayer), and tourism with all the riads and foreigners. The medina in Rabat is very different. Now, I am really talking about the touristy part, where they sell all the furniture and whatnot (it is the entrance across the street from the Oudaya). There, the breeze blows in from the Atlantic and the Bouregreg, and has a laid back, relaxed feel that is unique to the Rabat medina. I see a lot of tourists entering the medina through the “main entrance” at the bottom of Boulevard Mohammed V, but this is really not the “tourist entrance” it is more normal, everyday Moroccan life entrance where you would go to find cell phones, kids toys, clothing etc.

6. Exotic Gardens

Exotic Gardens

We wrote a full description of the Exotic Gardens in Rabat that you can read for more info.

7. Dinner at the Riad Oudaya

Dining at the Riad Oudaya

8. Dining and a Stroll at Villa Mandarine

Villa Mandarine

Another hidden gem in Rabat is the Villa Mandarine. It is tucked away on a quiet street in the Suissi/Hay Riad area. The Villa is located on the midst of an orange grove. Walking around the garden through the orange trees can’t help but make you feel relaxed. It has a pool as well and peacocks strutting around if you are lucky enough to catch them.

The restaraunt there, serves very high quality food and is frequented by both guests of the villa and Moroccan locals alike. The breakfast that comes with the stay is in the top three breakfasts I have eaten in Morocco (Dar Nour in Tangier and Chez Paul in Rabat) would be the other two.

Their contact is on their website. If you go, please leave a review of Villa Mandarine.